India and Japan recently conducted the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership and promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Discussions between the two nations focused on deepening collaboration in various areas such as defence industrial cooperation, technological innovation, cyber security, and space, among others. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the increasing alignment on regional and global security issues and pledged to continue close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The dialogue encompassed a wide range of bilateral defence activities, including military exchanges, joint headquarters cooperation, maritime collaboration, defence exercises, capacity building, and technology cooperation. The Indian delegation, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and the Japanese delegation, led by Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji, reviewed the prevailing regional and global security landscape and exchanged perspectives on mutual concerns. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms to further expand defence cooperation.
During the dialogue, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing involvement in the defence sector and emphasized the significance of enhancing practical cooperation within the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Vice Minister Kano Koji reiterated Japan’s dedication to broadening defence ties with India across key areas of interest. The meeting also discussed the anticipated outcomes of upcoming Ministerial visits, including the 2+2 dialogue scheduled for later this year.
The visit underscored the growing defence ties, mutual respect, and shared commitment of India and Japan towards peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Singh’s meeting with Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi further solidified the momentum of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with discussions covering regional security, maritime cooperation, defence industrial collaboration, and the advancement of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the joint commitment to enhancing India-Japan defence relations and the importance of elevating cooperation between the two nations.
